Top 10 Job Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

Job interviews are really crucial. It doesn’t only change your career path but also your life. Many of us have faced questions that seem difficult during a job interview. Most of these questions are already common, but still, some don’t have the right answers for it. This list offers the Top 10 Job Interview Questions and how you can answer them properly.

What are your weaknesses?

It’s a pretty standardized question. Almost all recruiter will ask you this. We recommend that you give an answer that tells least about your weakness and highlights your strengths as well. Avoid answering with your personal traits or characteristics; rather focus on your professional features. Keep your answer within your career and stay away from giving out personal experiences that reveal your weaknesses.

Highlight the weaknesses that you’ve had in your previous work. Include how you overcome that weakness in your answer. Don’t give out tacky answers; consider giving out weaknesses that won’t compromise your application for the job.

Example: “I am developing my communication skills to be an effective presenter. I joined a Toastmasters workshop lately, which I am invested in.”

Why do you want to work here?

This is a tricky question. The interviewer can tell if you did your research about the company thru your answers or you just send out your resume without really knowing the details about the company. It’s best to do you research about the company before the interview and include what you learned to your answer.

State your career goals to and position it to the company that you’re applying for. Connect your answer to the preference and priorities that come along with the job. More importantly, take the time to research about the position, company and the industry you’re applying for.

Example: “I choose this company since the mission and vision you uphold are in the same line with my values, this is the place where I am excited about how your company works and it is part of my top choices.”

What are your goals?

It’s better to tell them about you short-term and immediate goals if you are asked this question. Don’t answer with plans in the distant future, keep you scope within 3-5 years. Keep your answer to be employer-centric. The employer is hiring someone who can do the job and finish the task.

Formulate your goals to be attainable within a short period of time, and of course, keep it on track with the job. Employers are anxious on hiring if they see that they can’t keep up with your expectations for the job.

Example: ”My plan is to find a job with a company that is growth-oriented. For the long-term, it depends on the direction of the company. I foresee myself to grow into a position of responsibility.”

Why should we hire you?

Try to summarize your answer, and focus on your career experiences. Keep your answer to be optimistic, and relate it to show your interest for the company and the position. State your previous accomplishments in your career.

In your answer connect your qualifications to the requirements of the job. Make yourself stand out from other applicants. Choose one or two qualities that you think will make you unique or that are not commonly found. You have the opportunity to tell the interview that you are an invaluable employee.

Example: “I have four years’ experience working in the marketing industry and my track record has helped the company’s growth. I can make a huge change in your organization. I am sure that I can be a great member of your team.”

Why did you leave (or why are you leaving) your job?

If the interviewer asked you this, make your answer sound positive. Don’t dwell on the negative aspects. Employers always want to know the reason why you resigned (leaving). The key here shows that your resignation an opportunity to move a better direction for your career. It should never be shown as your loss.

Emphasize your application to be a positive thing. Avoid talking about the negative stuff about your previous job; focus on the good things you’re considering for a new job.

Example: “I was able to survive two round of company downsizing; on the third round it required 15% decrease in the workforce, I had to be let go.”

What differentiates you from the other candidates?

Your answer should highlight your uniqueness. This is an evaluation of your skills, experience, and personality. Your answer should be concise and summarized.

Review the job description and the company, and then make it as a reference that you are the employee that they are looking for. Highlight your strengths as well as skills that you have mastered. Always make sure that your answer will sound that you are motivated for the job.

Example: “My combination of technical skills and ability in customer service are distinct. This makes me more knowledgeable and highly approachable to the customers.”

When were you most satisfied in your job?

This question signifies what motivates you. Give a previous task or job that made you excited. This allows you to give the interviewer an idea of your preferences.

Give an experience from your career that emphasizes your abilities and characteristics. Show them that you are passionate about your work. Tell them about the achievements you receive from work, regardless of the reward that you received from it.

Example: “My last project gave me satisfaction since I was able to work directly with the clients and their concerns that are essential for me in my career.”

How much salary do you want?

It would be great if the interviewer states the salary range first. Research the salary range for the position you’re applying for and the range that’s acceptable for you and the walk-away point.

Determine your salary range, given your experience and daily needs. Make sure the amount is within the considerations of the company and the position you’re applying for.

Example: “What’s the range that you typically for someone in my level? I’m sure we can agree on a reasonable amount.”

What are the positive things you last boss would say about?

This is where you state your previous performance appraisals and evaluations; you could also quote the things that your boss said about you. It is okay to brag about the positive things that your boss said about but keep it simple.

Example: “My previous supervisor has praised me for being one of the top sellers in our branch. She knows me well and delegates me with the important projects.”

If you were an animal, which one would you want?

This is a psychological question that interviewers use to see if you can answer fast. If you answer “a rabbit,” you’ll make a soft, passive impression. “A lion” will sound that you are aggressive. Think about what kind of impression you want the interviewer to know. Or the type of personality that gets the job done.

Avoid choosing animals that have negative perceptions like snakes, rats or spiders. Make your answer brief and simple. State one or two characteristics of the animal that you can relate to, like “a horse, it is strong and function well alone or with a team”